Programs

Agriculture Pathway

The Palmdale High School Agriculture Program is currently one of the largest in the region and boasts an enrollment of more than 500 students. The program consists of a variety of working areas including a farm laboratory, a working shop, 3 shade houses, a greenhouse, and vineyard. The Goal of the department is to incorporate science standards into an agriculture setting while still meeting the needs of our vocationally minded youth. This is being accomplished through the utilization and application of technology in our classrooms and laboratories, which leads to critical and higher order thinking skills.

Instructional settings include:

• Agriculture Biology - A laboratory science course for the college bound student. The course emphasizes detailed knowledge of the central concepts, principles, and basic material of the following topics: molecular and cellular aspects of living things, structure and function of agricultural plants and animals, genetics, plant and animal diversity and principles of classification, ecological relationships, and animal behavior.
• Agriculture Chemistry -  Explores the physical and chemical nature of soil as well as the relationships between soil, plants, animals and agricultural practices. Students will examine properties of soil and land and their connections to plant and animal production. Using knowledge of scientific protocols as well as course content, students will develop an Agriscience research program to be conducted throughout the first semester of the course.
• Agriculture Mechanics 1 - An introductory course designed to introduce students to the entry-level skills required for career opportunities in mechanics. The class stresses work habits, job ethics, and mechanical skills useful to the average homeowner. Specific skills taught include arc welding, mig welding, oxy-acetylene cutting, carpentry, masonry, tool care and tractor driving.
• Agriculture Mechanics 2 - A continuation course of the Agricultural Mechanics 1 including but not limited to the safe and proper use of all major equipment items used in the field of agricultural mechanics. An ongoing development of personal skills and work ethics will be instilled in each of the students.
• Agriculture Mechanics Advanced - Agriculture Projects is a continuation of Ag Mechanics 1 and 2. Students will have the opportunity to research, design, and build projects in multiple medias, woodworking and metal. Advanced training in specialized tools and exploration of non-traditional careers are emphasized.
• Environmental Horticulture - An introductory course dealing with producing and maintaining ornamental plants. The class stresses work ethics, work habits, career opportunities, entry-level skills development, and leadership skills. Specific skills taught include plant identification, propagation, care and landscaping.

AVID - Advancement Via Individual Determination

For more than 25 years, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), is a program that prepares students in the academic middle for admission to a four-year college or university. Students take AVID elective courses throughout high school that provides them with the skills needed to be successful in advancing academically with the ultimate goal of attending college.

Engineering Academy

The Palmdale Engineering Academy is a four-year engineering and design-focus program that provides students with the opportunity to learn through a combination of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses, hands-on lab time, academic courses, and unique culminating projects.

We want students to graduate from high school ready to pursue their college and career goals. In order to prepare students students to reach their goals, student in the academy take academic courses that prepare them for college and career, collaborate on projects, learn in a hands-on environment, intern with local employers, and design, develop, and create unique solutions to everyday problems.

For details or to apply for the Palmdale Engineering Academy, click on the ENGINEERING ACADEMY above.

For more information contact: 

William Curzi, Engineering Academy Co-coordinator
wcurzi@avhsd.org or (661) 273-3181 ext. 363 

Health Careers Academy

If you are interested in exploring a career in Medicine, shadowing the team of Health Care professionals as they are working together to help those that are in need of medical attention, attain certifications, become college and career ready… then the Health Careers Academy may be for you.

The mission of the Palmdale High School Health Careers Academy is to place students in a comprehensive career pathway that prepares them for post-secondary education while developing skills essential for employment in the health care industry.

For more information contact:

Angela Hefter, Health Career Academy Coordinator
ahefter@avhsd.org or (661) 273-3181 ext. 383